NT-proBNP blood marker may help identify older adults at higher risk of heart disease

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death, with one person in the United States dying from the condition every 34 seconds.
• A recent study found that elevated levels of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may indicate increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in older adults without prior heart disease.
• However, elevated NT-proBNP levels may also result from factors such as aging, kidney disease, or atrial fibrillation.
• Experts suggest that the blood test could eventually have a role in routine cardiovascular risk assessment, though there are current limitations.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One person dies from heart disease every 34 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Screenings to monitor heart health can help assess heart disease risk. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, and blood glucose as some of the key screening tests for cardiovascular health.

A study published in August found that elevated levels of the heart stress marker N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) could indicate an increased risk of heart disease.

While more research is necessary, this means that NT-proBNP tests could have the potential to highlight cardiovascular risk and help support earlier intervention.